After beatification, memories abound of Mexican nun who helped poor

Published: 2004-05-07

MEXICO CITY (CNS) -- Well into her 80s and confined to a wheelchair, Mother Maria Guadalupe Garcia Zavala worked long hours at the hospital she helped found. For those who knew her, the recently beatified nun is remembered for her tireless dedication and strictness. "Even as an old lady, she moved around in a wheelchair all day to make sure the hospital was being run right," said Mother Maria del Rosario Placito, a friend for 15 years of Mother Garcia, known in Mexico as Madre Lupita. For those who never met Madre Lupita, the stories of her devotion are accompanied with growing accounts of miracles. Every day in a room at Guadalajara's St. Margaret Hospital -- which Madre Lupita helped found and where she lived until her death in 1963 -- people leave notes, photographs or even locks of hair in thanks for the many miracles attributed to her. Pope John Paul II beatified Madre Lupita April 25.

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